The Nigerian government is embedding verified digital identification into its health sector restructuring to accelerate the timeline for Universal Health Coverage by 2030. This strategy aims to enhance patient services and broaden health insurance reach for millions across the nation.
By connecting digital IDs with medical history, health insurance registrations, and disease monitoring systems, officials intend to streamline operations. This move was solidified during a meeting between Minister of Health and Social Welfare Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate and NIMC Director-General Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, following the passage of the 2025 NIMC Act.
Prof. Pate highlighted that the new legislation establishes the necessary legal framework for a secure digital identity system, which is central to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s healthcare reform goals. The integration seeks to solve issues regarding patient identification, ensure smooth transitions in care, and facilitate the use of shared electronic medical records. Furthermore, the initiative is expected to enhance health planning, bolster disease monitoring, and improve data security.
The ministry anticipates this will increase participation in the National Health Insurance programme, offering better financial protection. With Primary Healthcare Centres handling approximately 45 million patient visits quarterly, the government believes a digital ID framework will manage this patient volume more effectively. A joint technical committee involving the Health Ministry and NIMC has been ordered to track progress and maintain transparency. Prof. Pate also emphasized that the system must remain inclusive for individuals with disabilities and other marginalized groups.
NIMC Director-General Abisoye Coker-Odusote confirmed that the agency is ready to supply the technological framework required for this initiative. She noted that this partnership represents a unified government effort to create a transparent and tech-enabled healthcare system for all Nigerians.
